If It is Bad for Bees It is Bad for You

In a study published in the current issue of The Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. Researchers have found that exposure of High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) to heat raises levels of a toxin harmful to bees and humans -

The researcher from the USDA reached their conclusion after measuring HMF levels in samples of HFCS over a 35 day time frame, at temperatures of 31.5, 40.0, 49.0 and 68.8?c.

They saw that HMF levels increased steadily with temperature, and that there was a dramatic jump at 49 ?c. The chemical forms as the fructose dehydrates, with mineral and organic acids acting as catalysts.

What is HMF?- Hydroxymethylfurfural ( here is its MSDS)

a toxin that causes gut ulceration and dysentery-like symptoms in bees. In humans it has been linked to DNA damage, and its daughter metabolites levulinic and formic acids have also been seen to cause harm.

This is just another reason to find ways to reduce or eliminate HFCS from your diet. We keep wondering why so many bee colonies are suffering and dying and what do you know but HFCS is used as feed by many commercial beekeepers.

Remember the rules: If granny wouldn't recognize it as food it probably isn't and if it is in a package and has more than a couple of ingredients it probably isn't really food.

h/t La Vida Locavore